Sulfur composites and polymeric materials from elemental sulfur

Sulfur composites and polymeric materials having a high sulfur content and prepared from elemental sulfur as the primary chemical feedstock. The sulfur copolymers are prepared by the polymerization of elemental sulfur with one or more monomers of amines, thiols, sulfides, alkynylly unsaturated monomers, nitrones, aldehydes, ketones, thiiranes, ethylenically unsaturated monomers, or epoxides. The sulfur copolymers may be further dispersed with metal or ceramic composites or copolymerized with elemental carbon, photoactive organic chromophores, or reactive and solubilizing/biocompatible moieties. The sulfur composites and polymeric materials feature the ability self-healing through thermal reformation. Applications utilizing the sulfur composites and polymeric materials may include electrochemical cells, optics, H 2 S donors and antimicrobial materials.

PROTECTIVE COATING OF MAGNETIC NANOPARTICLES

Encapsulated particles and methods for manufacturing encapsulated particles and structures are described. Such particles may have a length no greater than 40 nm, and include at least one material selected from the group consisting of ferromagnetic materials and ferrimagnetic materials. A polymeric encapsulant surrounds the particle, the polymeric encapsulant including a phase-separated block copolymer including a glassy first phase and a rubbery second phase, the glassy first phase positioned between the particle and the second rubbery phase. The glassy first phase includes a hydrophobic copolymer having a glass transition temperature of at least 50° C. The rubbery second phase includes a polymer having at least one of (i) a glass transition temperature of no greater than 30° C., and (ii) a tan delta peak maximum of no greater than 30° C. Other embodiments are described and claimed. 1. An encapsulated particle comprising:a particle having a length no greater than 40 nm;the particle comprising at least one material selected from the group consisting of ferromagnetic materials and ferrimagnetic materials;a polymeric encapsulant surrounding the particle, the polymeric encapsulant comprising a phase-separated block copolymer including a glassy first phase and a rubbery second phase, the glassy first phase positioned between the particle and the second rubbery phase;the glassy first phase comprising a hydrophobic copolymer having a glass transition temperature of at least 50° C.; andthe rubbery second phase comprising a polymer having at least one of (i) a glass transition temperature of no greater than 30° C., and (ii) a tan delta peak maximum of no greater than 30° C.2. The encapsulated particle of claim 1 , wherein the glassy first phase is in direct contact with the particle claim 1 , and the rubbery second phase is in direct contact with the first phase.3. The encapsulated particle of claim 1 , wherein the particle comprises a material selected from the group ...

DYNAMIC COVALENT POLYMERIZATIONS WITH ELEMENTAL SULFUR AND SULFUR PREPOLYMERS

An iterative approach to dynamic covalent polymerizations of elemental sulfur with functional comonomers to prepare sulfur prepolymers that can further reacted with other conventional, commercially available comonomers to prepare a wider class of functional sulfur polymers. This iterative method improves handling, miscibility and solubility of the elemental sulfur, and further enables tuning of the sulfur polymer composition. The sulfur polymers may be a thermoplastic or a thermoset for use in elastomers, resins, lubricants, coatings, antioxidants, cathode materials for electrochemical cells, and polymeric articles such as polymeric films and free-standing substrates. 2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more first comonomers are selected to form the sulfur prepolymer having a tuneable composition that enables miscibility or solubility of the sulfur prepolymer with the one or more second comonomers to produce complex sulfur polymers.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein selection of the one or more second comonomers is further determined by a number of reactive functional groups of each second comonomer claim 1 , wherein the one or more second comonomers having an increasing number of reactive functional groups further enables branching or crosslinking in the sulfur polymer.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the elemental sulfur is about 10-90 wt % of the sulfur polymer.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the elemental sulfur is at least 50 wt % of the sulfur polymer.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more first comonomers are about 5-50 wt % of the sulfur polymer.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more first comonomers are selected from a group consisting of amine comonomers claim 1 , thiol comonomers claim 1 , sulfide comonomers claim 1 , alkynylly unsaturated comonomers claim 1 , epoxide comonomers claim 1 , nitrone comonomers claim 1 , aldehyde comonomers claim 1 , ketone comonomers claim 1 , thiirane comonomers claim 1 , ethylenically ...

CATHODE MATERIALS FOR Li-S BATTERIES

Compositions and methods of producing composite materials for use as a cathode in electrochemical cells. Elemental sulfur is mixed with tungsten sulfide (WS) to form a composite mixture. Organic comonomers may be added to the composite mixture. The composite mixture is reacted to form the composite material. Electrochemical cells with cathodes containing the composite material demonstrated improved battery performance. 1. A composite material comprising at least about 50 wt % sulfur derived from elemental sulfur (S) , and about 5-50 wt % tungsten sulfide (WS).2. The composite material of claim 1 , wherein WSis dispersed in the sulfur.3. The composite material of claim 1 , further comprising about 5-10 wt % of one or more comonomers selected from a group consisting of ethylenically unsaturated comonomers claim 1 , styrenic comonomers claim 1 , vinylic comonomers claim 1 , methacrylate comonomers claim 1 , acrylonitrile comonomers claim 1 , allylic monomers claim 1 , acrylate monomers claim 1 , vinylpyridine monomers claim 1 , isobutylene monomers claim 1 , maleimide monomers claim 1 , norbornene monomers claim 1 , monomers having at least one vinyl ether moiety claim 1 , and monomers having at least one isopropenyl moiety.4. The composite material of claim 3 , wherein the sulfur and the one or more comonomers form a sulfur copolymer with WSdispersed therein.5. The composite material of claim 3 , wherein the one or more comonomers are 1 claim 3 ,3-diisopropenylbenzene comonomers.6. An active material for use in a battery electrode claim 1 , said active material comprising the composite material of .7. An electrochemical cell comprising:a. an anode comprising lithium;{'sub': 8', '2, 'b. a cathode comprising a composite material comprising at least about 50 wt % sulfur derived from S, and about 5-50 wt % tungsten sulfide (WS); and'}c. a non-aqueous electrolyte interposed between the cathode and the anode.8. The electrochemical cell of claim 7 , wherein the composite ...

COPOLYMERIZATION OF ELEMENTAL SULFUR AND EPOXY FUNCTIONAL STYRENICS

Sulfur copolymers and methods of synthesizing said sulfur copolymers are described herein. Elemental sulfur is melted to form liquid sulfur monomers having reactive sulfur groups. Epoxy-functionalized styrenic comonomers having an epoxide moiety and a vinylic moiety are added to the liquid sulfur monomers. The reactive sulfur groups of the liquid sulfur monomers copolymerize with the epoxide or vinylic moiety of the epoxy-functionalized styrenic comonomers to form a crosslinked network of the sulfur copolymer. 1. A method of synthesizing a sulfur copolymer , comprising:a. providing elemental sulfur;b. melting the elemental sulfur to form liquid sulfur monomers having reactive sulfur groups;c. providing one or more epoxy-functionalized styrenic comonomers, said comonomers having an epoxide moiety and a vinylic moiety; andd. adding the comonomers to the liquid sulfur monomers, wherein the reactive sulfur groups of the liquid sulfur monomers copolymerize with the epoxide or vinylic moiety of the epoxy-functionalized styrenic comonomers to form a crosslinked network of the sulfur copolymer.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least about 50 wt % of elemental sulfur is provided.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein about 5-50 wt % of epoxy-functionalized styrenic comonomers are provided.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the epoxy-functionalized styrenic comonomers are 4-vinylbenzyl glycidyl ether or 2-(4-vinylphenyl)oxirane).5. The method of claim 11 , wherein the reactive sulfur groups comprise sulfur radicals and sulfur anionic species.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the vinylic moiety of the epoxy-functionalized styrenic comonomers reacts with the sulfur radicals via a thiol-ene reaction.7. The method of claim 5 , wherein the epoxide moiety of the epoxy-functionalized styrenic comonomers reacts with the sulfur radicals or sulfur anionic species via ring-opening polymerization.8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sulfur copolymer is an insoluble thermoset.9. The ...

CHALCOGENIDE HYBRID INORGANIC/ORGANIC POLYMERS (CHIPS) FOR INFRARED OPTICAL MATERIALS AND DEVICES

The present invention provides certain polymeric materials, precursors thereof as well as the preparation and uses thereof. 113-. (canceled)15. The monomer of claim 15 , wherein the vinylic group claim 15 , A claim 15 , is a divinylic claim 15 , multivinylic claim 15 , or polyunsaturated group.1819-. (canceled)20. The monomer of claim 15 , wherein the vinylic group A is a styrenic claim 15 , an acrylate claim 15 , a methacrylate claim 15 , an acrylamide claim 15 , a methacrylamide claim 15 , or a divinylbenzene.21. The monomer of claim 14 , wherein the functional linker claim 14 , L claim 14 , is a sulphide moiety claim 14 , a selenium (Se) moiety claim 14 , a tin (Sn) moiety claim 14 , a titanium (Ti) moiety claim 14 , a tellurium (Te) moiety claim 14 , an aromatic or heteroaromatic moiety having a high molar refractive index claim 14 , an aliphatic moiety claim 14 , or an unsaturated moiety.22. The monomer of claim 14 , wherein the protecting group claim 14 , B claim 14 , is a tert-butyloxycarbonyl (BOC) claim 14 , t-butyl ester claim 14 , or nitrobenzyl ether.23. The monomer of claim 14 , wherein the protecting group claim 14 , B claim 14 , is cleavable by application of an acid claim 14 , a photoacid generator claim 14 , heat claim 14 , light irradiation claim 14 , or a combination thereof.24. The monomer of claim 14 , wherein:the vinylic group A is a styrenic, an acrylate, a methacrylate, an acrylamide, a methacrylamide, or a divinylbenzene;the functional linker, L, is a sulphide moiety, a selenium (Se) moiety, a tin (Sn) moiety, a titanium (Ti) moiety, a tellurium (Te) moiety, an aromatic or heteroaromatic moiety having a high molar refractive index, an aliphatic moiety, or an unsaturated moiety;the protecting group, B, is a tert-butyloxycarbonyl (BOC), t-butyl ester, or nitrobenzyl ether.25. The optical polymer of claim 16 , wherein said an optical polymer is (poly(St-disulfide)) having a refractive index of at least about 1.6.27. The monomer of claim 14 , ...

3D-PRINTING OF ULTRA-HIGH REFRACTIVE INDEX POLYMERS

Sulfur copolymers having high sulfur content for use as raw materials in 3D printing. The sulfur copolymers are prepared by melting and copolymerizing one or more comonomers with cyclic selenium sulfide, elemental sulfur, elemental selenium, or a combination thereof. Optical substrates, such as films and lenses, are constructed from the sulfur copolymer via 3D printing and are substantially transparent in the visible and infrared spectrum. The optical substrates can have refractive indices of about 1.75-2.6 at a wavelength in a range of about 500 nm to about 8 μm. 1. A method of producing a substrate using 3D printing , comprising: i. one or more chalcogenic monomers at a level of at least 50 wt % of the sulfur copolymer; and', 'ii. one or more comonomers each selected from a group consisting of amine comonomers, thiol comonomers, sulfide comonomers, alkynylly unsaturated comonomers, epoxide comonomers, nitrone comonomers, aldehyde comonomers, ketone comonomers, thiirane comonomers, ethylenically unsaturated comonomers, styrenic comonomers, vinylic comonomers, methacrylate comonomers, acrylonitrile comonomers, allylic monomers, acrylate monomers, vinylpyridine monomers, isobutylene monomers, maleimide monomers, norbornene monomers, monomers having at least one vinyl ether moiety, and monomers having at least one isopropenyl moiety, at a level in the range of about 5-50 wt % of the sulfur copolymer;, 'a. providing a print material comprising a sulfur copolymer comprisingb. introducing said print material into a 3D printer; andc. dispensing said print material by successively applying layers of said print material to form the substrate;wherein the substrate produced from the print material has a refractive index of about 1.75-2.6 at a wavelength in a range of about 500 nm to about 8 μm.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the chalcogenic monomers are selected from a group consisting of elemental sulfur claim 1 , a liquid polysulfide claim 1 , cyclic selenium sulfide and ...

HIGH SULFUR CONTENT COPOLYMERS AND COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS AND OPTICAL ELEMENTS USING THEM

The present invention relates generally to high sulfur content polymeric materials and composites, methods for making them, and devices using them such as electrochemical cells and optical elements. In one aspect, a polymeric composition comprising a copolymer of sulfur, at a level in the range of at least about 50 wt % of the copolymer, and one or more monomers each selected from the group consisting of ethylenically unsaturated monomers, epoxide monomers, and thiirane monomers, at a level in the range of about 0.1 wt % to about 50 wt % of the copolymer. 1. A polymeric composition comprising a copolymer of sulfur , at a level in the range of at least about 50 wt % of the copolymer , and one or more monomers each selected from the group consisting of ethylenically unsaturated monomers , epoxide monomers , and thiirane monomers , at a level in the range of about 0.1 wt % to about 50 wt % of the copolymer.2. The polymeric composition according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more monomers are one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers.3. The polymeric composition according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more monomers are one or more epoxide monomers.4. The polymeric composition according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more monomers are a combination of one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers and one or more epoxide monomers.5. The polymeric composition according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more monomers are a combination of one or more thiirane monomers and one or more epoxide monomers.6. A polymeric composition comprising a copolymer of sulfur claim 1 , at a level in the range of at least 10 wt % of the copolymer claim 1 , and one or more thiirane monomers claim 1 , at a level in the range of about 0.1 wt % to about 90 wt % of the copolymer.7. The polymeric composition according to claim 6 , wherein the one or more thiirane monomers comprise propylene sulfide.8. The polymeric composition of claim 1 , wherein the copolymer comprises the sulfur at a ...

METHODS OF UTILIZING ELEMENTAL SULFUR FOR FLAME RETARDANT POLYMERS AND ADDITIVES

Compositions of flame retardants and methods of enhancing char formation in a flame retardant-treated substrate. A base material is combined with a flame retardant to form the flame retardant-treated substrate. The flame retardant contains a sulfur copolymer prepared by the polymerization of sulfur monomers with organic monomers. The flame retardant can be deposited on a surface of the base material, coated on the base material, or mixed into the base material. When the flame resistant substrate is on fire, the flame retardant forms a charring layer on the flame retardant-treated substrate. The charring layer can extinguish and prevent the fire from spreading. 111-. (canceled)13. The method of claim 12 , wherein combining the base material with the fire retardant composition comprises coating the base material with an intumescent coating comprising the fire retardant composition.14. The method of claim 12 , wherein combining the base material with the fire retardant composition comprises depositing the fire retardant composition on the surface of the base material.15. The method of claim 12 , wherein combining the base material with the fire retardant composition comprises:a. mixing monomers of the base material with monomers of the fire retardant composition to form a comonomer mixture; andb. polymerizing the comonomer mixture to form a flame resistant polymer; andc. molding the flame resistant polymer to a shape of the substrate.16. (canceled)17. The method of claim 12 , wherein the organic comonorners are selected from a group consisting of amine comonomers claim 12 , thiol comonomers claim 12 , sulfide comonomers claim 12 , alkynylly unsaturated comonomers claim 12 , epoxide comonomers claim 12 , nitrone comonomers claim 12 , aldehyde comonomers claim 12 , ketone comonomers claim 12 , thiirane comonomers claim 12 , and ethylenically unsaturated comonomers.18. The method of claim 12 , wherein the substrate is constructed from polyurethane claim 12 , polystyrene ...

COPOLYMERIZATION OF ELEMENTAL SULFUR TO SYNTHESIZE HIGH SULFUR CONTENT POLYMERIC MATERIALS

Copolymerization of elemental sulfur with functional comonomers afford sulfur copolymers having a high molecular weight and high sulfur content. Nucleophilic activators initiate sulfur polymerizations at relative lower temperatures and in solutions, which enable the use of a wider range of comonomers, such as vinylics, styrenics, and non-homopolymerizing comonomers. Nucleophilic activators promote ring-opening reactions to generate linear polysulfide intermediates that copolymerize with comonomers. Dynamic sulfur-sulfur bonds enable re-processing or melt processing of the sulfur polymer. Chalcogenide-based copolymers have a refractive index of about 1.7-2.6 at a wavelength in a range of about 5000 nm-8μιτι. The sulfur copolymer can be a thermoplastic or a thermoset for use in elastomers, resins, lubricants, coatings, antioxidants, cathode materials for electrochemical cells, dental adhesives/restorations, and polymeric articles such as polymeric films and free-standing substrates. Optical substrates are constructed from the chalcogenide copolymer and are substantially transparent in the visible and infrared spectrum. 118-. (canceled)19. A sulfur polymer comprising:a. one or more sulfur monomers at between about 10 to 95% wt of the polymer; andb. one or more styrenic comonomers at between about 5 to 90% wt of the polymer, wherein the styrenic comonomers comprise one or more functional groups;wherein the styrenic comonomers are polymerized with the sulfur monomers via chain transferring of a benzylic hydrogen of the styrenic comonomers to link sulfur radicals formed via chain braking of the sulfur monomers to a vinyl moiety of the styrenic comonomers.20. The sulfur polymer polymer of claim 19 , wherein the one or more functional groups are selected from a group consisting of a halogen functional group claim 19 , an amine functional group claim 19 , an alkyl functional group claim 19 , an alkyl halide functional group claim 19 , an alkoxyl functional group claim 19 , a ...

COPOLYMERIZATION OF ELEMENTAL SULFUR AND EPOXY FUNCTIONAL STYRENICS

Sulfur copolymers and methods of synthesizing said sulfur copolymers are described herein. Sulfur monomers copolymerize with epoxide or vinylic moieties the epoxy-functionalized styrenic comonomers to form a crosslinked network of the sulfur copolymer. Sulfur copolymers having high sulfur content are used as raw materials in 3D printing. Chalcogenide-based copolymers can utilize selenium to provide for the optical properties. Using an inverse vulcanization method, chalcogenic sulfur copolymers are used to prepare chemically stable polymer plastic materials with tunable optical and thermochemical properties. Optical substrates, such as films, waveguides, and molded (nano-, micro-) objects and lenses, are constructed from sulfur copolymers via 3D printing and are substantially transparent in the visible and infrared spectrum. 1. A sulfur copolymer comprising a copolymerized product of at least about 50 wt % of sulfur monomers derived from elemental sulfur , and about 5-50 wt % of epoxy-functionalized styrenic comonomers having an epoxide moiety and a vinylic moiety , wherein the sulfur monomers copolymerize with both the epoxide and the vinylic moieties to form a crosslinked network of the sulfur copolymer.2. The sulfur copolymer of claim 1 , wherein the epoxy-functionalized styrenic comonomers are 4-vinylbenzyl glycidyl ether or 2-(4-vinylphenyl)oxirane).3. The sulfur copolymer of claim 1 , wherein the sulfur copolymer is a thermoset.4. The sulfur copolymer of claim 1 , wherein a glass transition temperature of the sulfur copolymer is at least about 50° C.5. The sulfur copolymer of claim 1 , wherein the sulfur monomers comprises S—S bonds that claim 1 , when broken claim 1 , are configured to be reconnected by thermal reforming.6. The sulfur copolymer of claim 1 , wherein the sulfur copolymer further comprises an elemental carbon material dispersed in the sulfur copolymer at a level in the range of up to about 50 wt % of the sulfur copolymer.7. The sulfur copolymer ...

CHALCOGENIDE HYBRID INORGANIC/ORGANIC POLYMER (CHIP) MATERIALS AS IMPROVED CROSSLINKING AGENTS FOR VULCANIZATION

Methods of vulcanization using a high content sulfur polymer, instead of elemental sulfur, have been developed. These high sulfur content polymers are referred to as Chalcogenide Hybrid Inorganic/Organic Polymers (CHIP) materials and have good polymer compatibility in that they are soluble in a number of polymers. Furthermore, CHIP materials may have weaker bonds than the S—S bonds of elemental sulfur and thus provide for a higher crosslinking efficiency vulcanization. 1. A composition comprising:a. a latex material; and i. one or more chalcogenic monomers at a level of at least 45 wt % of the CHIP material; and', 'ii. one or more comonomers, at a level in the range of about 5-55 wt % of the CHIP material, wherein the one or more comonomers are co-polymerized with the chalcogenic monomers;', 'iii. one or more termonomers, at a level in the range of about 5-45 wt % of the CHIP material, wherein the one or more comonomers are co-polymerized with the chalcogenic monomers and the one or more comonomers;, 'b. a vulcanizing agent comprising a chalcogenic hybrid inorganic/organic polymer (CHIP) material, wherein the CHIP material compriseswherein the vulcanizing agent vulcanizes the latex material to provide a crosslinked rubber.2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the one or more chalcogenic monomers are at a level of at least 50 wt % of the CHIP material and the one or more comonomers are at a level in the range of about 5-50 wt % of the CHIP material.3. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the latex material is natural claim 1 , synthetic claim 1 , or a combination thereof.4. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the latex material comprises a natural rubber claim 1 , a polydiene claim 1 , a polydiene copolymer claim 1 , polybutadiene claim 1 , polyisoprene claim 1 , polychloroprene claim 1 , a butyl rubber claim 1 , a silicone rubber latex claim 1 , an acrylic rubber latex or a combination thereof.5. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the chalcogenic monomers are ...

METALLIC MAGNETIC POWDER AND MANUFACTURING METHOD OF THE SAME, MAGNETIC PAINTING, MAGNETIC POWDER FOR MAGNETIC THERAPY, AND MAGNETIC RECORDING MEDIUM

A metallic magnetic powder where a primary particle of each metallic magnetic particle is a powder without forming an aggregate, and a method of making the same that includes manufacturing a metallic magnetic powder constituted of metallic magnetic particles, containing a metallic magnetic phase, with Fe, or Fe and Co as main components, rare earth elements or yttrium and one or more non-magnetic components removing the non-magnetic component from the metallic magnetic with a reducing agent, while making a complexing agent exist for forming a complex with the non-magnetic component in water; oxidizing the metallic magnetic particle with the non-magnetic component removed; substituting water adhered to the oxidized metallic magnetic particle with an organic solvent; and coating the surface of the metallic magnetic particle with an organic matter different from the organic solvent, while maintaining a wet condition of the metallic magnetic particle with the organic solvent adhered thereto. 1. A metallic magnetic powder constituted of metallic magnetic particles , comprising Fe , or Fe and Co as main components , having an average major axis diameter of 10 to 50 nm confirmed by a transmission electronic microscopic image , having a calculated particle volume of 2500 nmor smaller , and having a value of a peak diameter calculated by a wet-type particle size measurement (DLS method) in a range of 10 to 200 nm.2. The metallic magnetic powder according to claim 1 , wherein a value of a relative ratio (peak diameter/average major axis diameter) of the average major axis diameter obtained by the transmission electronic microscopic image claim 1 , and a peak diameter calculated by the DLS method is 5 or smaller.3. A metallic magnetic powder constituted of metallic magnetic particles claim 1 , having a metal phase comprising Fe claim 1 , or Fe and Co as main components claim 1 , having an oxide layer on the surface of the metal phase claim 1 , with the surface of the oxide ...

ENHANCED WATER ELECTROLYSIS WITH PROTIC CO-CATALYSTS

Catalyst systems employing inexpensive and readily-available protic co-catalysts to increase a proton reduction rate in a hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are described herein. The protic co-catalysts function to increase the rate without being consumed in the process of water splitting to hydrogen and oxygen. They may simultaneously serve to stabilize the pH of the water and be the electrolyte to carry the current for the electrolytic splitting of water. The protic co-catalysts also decrease the overpotential energy requirement for the process of water splitting. These protic co-catalysts can be used with both heterogeneous and homogenous catalysts, as well as assist photocatalysis and other processes for the reduction of protons. 1. A method of increasing a hydrogen (H) generation rate of an electrolysis process in which protons from an aqueous medium are reduced to H , the method comprising adding a protic co-catalyst to the aqueous medium , wherein the protic co-catalyst is in a protonated state , wherein the protic co-catalyst increases the rate of Hgeneration without being consumed during the electrolysis process.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the protic co-catalyst is a pH stabilizer.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the protic co-catalyst acts as an electrolyte that carries a current for the electrolysis process.4. (canceled)5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electrolysis process comprises photocatalysis claim 1 , a non-liquid process claim 1 , a solid state process claim 1 , water splitting claim 1 , or ion exchange.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the protic co-catalyst decreases an energy requirement of the electrolysis process.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein a pH of the proton source and a pKof the co-catalyst are selected such that the co-catalyst is in a majority protic state.8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the protic co-catalyst comprises maleate claim 1 , bicine claim 1 , sodium phosphate claim 1 , sodium dihydrogen phosphate claim ...

Fire retardant compositions utilizing elemental sulfur

Compositions of flame retardants and methods of enhancing char formation in a flame retardant-treated substrate. A base material is combined with a flame retardant to form the flame retardant-treated substrate. The flame retardant contains a sulfur copolymer prepared by the polymerization of sulfur monomers with organic monomers. The flame retardant can be deposited on a surface of the base material, coated on the base material, or mixed into the base material. When the flame resistant substrate is on fire, the flame retardant forms a charring layer on the flame retardant-treated substrate. The charring layer can extinguish and prevent the fire from spreading.

METALLOPOLYMERS FOR CATALYTIC GENERATION OF HYDROGEN

Metallopolymers composed of polymers and catalytically active diiron-disulfide ([2Fe-2S]) complexes are described herein. [FeFe]-hydrogenase mimics have been synthesized and used to initiate polymerization of various monomers to generate metallopolymers containing active [2Fe-2S] sites which serve as catalysts for a hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Vinylic monomers with polar groups provided water solubility relevant for large scale hydrogen production, leveraging the supramolecular architecture to improve catalysis. Metallopolymeric electrocatalysts displayed high turnover frequency and low overpotential in aqueous media as well as aerobic stability. Metallopolymeric photocatalysts incorporated P3HT ligands to serve as a photosensitizer to promote photoinduced electron transfer to the active complex. 1. An electrocatalytic metallopolymer for generating hydrogen (H) , said metallopolymer comprising an electrocatalytically active complex bonded to a polymer.2. The metallopolymer of claim 1 , wherein the metallopolymer is according to the following:{'br': None, 'sub': 1', 'i, 'i': 'i', 'Complex-L-(Polymer), wherein is 1 or 2.'}6. The metallopolymer of claim 5 , wherein the polymer imparts water solubility to the metallopolymer.813.-. (canceled)16. The metallopolymer of claim 1 , wherein the metallopolymer complex is soluble in organic or aqueous solutions.17. The metallopolymer of claim 1 , wherein the metallopolymer complex has an M:Mratio that is less than about 1.3.18. The metallopolymer of claim 1 , wherein the metallopolymer complex is capable of generating Hfrom aqueous solutions.19. The metallopolymer of claim 1 , wherein the metallopolymer complex is stable when exposed to an aerobic environment.20. The metallopolymer of claim 1 , wherein the metallopolymer complex maintains stability when exposed to the aerobic environment during Hgeneration.21. The metallopolymer of claim 1 , wherein the metallopolymer complex has a turn over frequency of at least about ...

Photoresponsive chalcogenide hybrid organic/inorganic polymer films

The present invention provides certain CHIP films and coatings, as well as the preparation and uses thereof.

Cathode materials for Li—S batteries

Compositions and methods of producing composite materials for use as a cathode in electrochemical cells. Elemental sulfur is mixed with tungsten sulfide (WS 2 ) to form a composite mixture. Organic comonomers may be added to the composite mixture. The composite mixture is reacted to form the composite material. Electrochemical cells with cathodes containing the composite material demonstrated improved battery performance.

Chalcogenide hybrid inorganic/organic polymer (chip) materials as improved crosslinking agents for vulcanization

Methods of vulcanization using a high content sulfur polymer, instead of elemental sulfur, have been developed. These high sulfur content polymers are referred to as Chalcogenide Hybrid Inorganic/Organic Polymers (CHIP) materials and have good polymer compatibility in that they are soluble in a number of polymers. Furthermore, CHIP materials may have weaker bonds than the S-S bonds of elemental sulfur and thus provide for a higher crosslinking efficiency vulcanization.

Methods and compositions using AMPK activators for pharmacological prevention of chronic pain

Methods and compositions using a combination of adenosine monophosphate protein kinase (AMPK) activators for treating pain such as post-surgical pain or development of chronic pain. The two or more AMPK activators work synergistically and may be administered in individually sub-efficacious doses. The AMPK activators may have different mechanisms of AMPK activation. The AMPK activators may be administered systemically and/or topically in, for example, as a gel, ointment, cream, lotion, suspension, liquid, or transdermal patch.

Chalcogenide hybrid organic/inorganic polymers films and coatings and the use thereof

The present invention provides certain CHIP films and coatings, as well as the preparation and uses thereof. Chalcogenide hybrid organic/inorganic polymers or CHIPs may be suitable for use in antireflection coatings for use with infrared optics, for example as applied to lenses for infrared cameras. The coatings may be applied with spin coating and have a thickness related to the quarter wavelength of the desired infrared wavelengths.

Metallic magnetic powder and manufacturing method of the same, magnetic painting, magnetic powder for magnetic therapy and magnetic recording medium

Enhanced water electrolysis with protic co-catalysts

Catalyst systems employing inexpensive and readily-available protic co-catalysts to increase a proton reduction rate in a hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are described herein. The protic co-catalysts function to increase the rate without being consumed in the process of water splitting to hydrogen and oxygen. They may simultaneously serve to stabilize the pH of the water and be the electrolyte to carry the current for the electrolytic splitting of water. The protic co-catalysts also decrease the overpotential energy requirement for the process of water splitting. These protic co-catalysts can be used with both heterogeneous and homogenous catalysts, as well as assist photocatalysis and other processes for the reduction of protons.

Enhanced water electrolysis with protic co-catalysts

Catalyst systems employing inexpensive and readily-available protic co-catalysts to increase a proton reduction rate in a hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are described herein. The protic co-catalysts function to increase the rate without being consumed in the process of water splitting to hydrogen and oxygen. They may simultaneously serve to stabilize the pH of the water and be the electrolyte to carry the current for the electrolytic splitting of water. The protic co-catalysts also decrease the overpotential energy requirement for the process of water splitting. These protic co-catalysts can be used with both heterogeneous and homogenous catalysts, as well as assist photocatalysis and other processes for the reduction of protons.

Copolymerization of elemental sulfur and epoxy functional styrenics

Sulfur copolymers and methods of synthesizing said sulfur copolymers are described herein. Sulfur monomers copolymerize with epoxide or vinylic moieties the epoxy-functionalized styrenic comonomers to form a crosslinked network of the sulfur copolymer. Sulfur copolymers having high sulfur content are used as raw materials in 3D printing. Chalcogenide-based copolymers can utilize selenium to provide for the optical properties. Using an inverse vulcanization method, chalcogenic sulfur copolymers are used to prepare chemically stable polymer plastic materials with tunable optical and thermochemical properties. Optical substrates, such as films, waveguides, and molded (nano-, micro-) objects and lenses, are constructed from sulfur copolymers via 3D printing and are substantially transparent in the visible and infrared spectrum.

Refractive index contrast polymers and methods for producing and using the same

The present invention is directed to refractive index contrast (“RIC”) polymers and methods for producing and using the same. In one particular embodiment, RIC polymers of the invention can be used as waveguides. RIC polymers of the invention are produced from a monomeric mixture comprising a first monomer and a second monomer comprising an acid-labile protecting group, where a first polymer produced from the first monomer has a different refractive index compared to the refractive index of a second polymer produced from the second monomer. The base refractive index of RIC polymers can be tuned by controlling the amount of the first and the second monomers. Furthermore, the refractive index of the waveguide can be modulated by the amount of acid-labile protecting group removal.

Metallopolymers for catalytic generation of hydrogen

Metallopolymers composed of polymers and catalytically active diiron-disulfide ([2Fe-2S]) complexes. [FeFe]-hydrogenase mimics have been synthesized and used to initiate polymerization of various monomers to generate metallopolymers containing active [2Fe-2S] sites which serve as catalysts for a hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Vinylic monomers with polar groups provided water solubility relevant for large scale hydrogen production, leveraging the supramolecular architecture to improve catalysis. Metallopolymeric electrocatalysts displayed high turnover frequency and low overpotential in aqueous media as well as aerobic stability. Metallopolymeric photocatalysts incorporated P3HT ligands to serve as a photosensitizer to promote photoinduced electron transfer to the active complex.

Refractive index contrast polymers and methods for producing and using the same

A photonic device including a first waveguide and a second waveguide is provided. The device includes an interconnect coupled with the first waveguide and the second waveguide. The interconnect includes a substrate. The interconnect includes a film including a refractive index contrast (RIC) polymer and a core. The core includes a first domain having a first refractive index. The core includes a second domain adjacent to the first domain and having a second refractive index. The second refractive index is less than the first refractive index. The core includes a third domain adjacent to the second domain and having a third refractive index. The third refractive index is less than the second refractive index. The second domain is disposed between the first domain and the third domain. The refractive index of the substrate is less than the first refractive index, the second refractive index, and the third refractive index.

Chalcogenide hybrid inorganic/organic polymers (chips) for infrared optical materials and devices

The present invention provides certain polymeric materials, precursors thereof as well as the preparation and uses thereof.

Polymers obtained from unsatured compounds and sulfurhalides

A polymers includes the reaction product of a mixture of a chalcogenide halide and one or more organic compounds comprising an unsaturated carbon-carbon bond under reaction conditions sufficient to produce the polymer, wherein the chalcogenide halide comprises a sulfur monohalide, a sulfur dihalide, a selenium monohalide, a selenium dihalide, a selenium tetrahalide, or a combination of any two or more thereof. Such sulfur-containing polymers have a high refractive index and high Abbe number and are suitable for use in variety of applications relating to optical devices.

Refractive index contrast polymers and methods for producing and using the same

A photonic device including a first waveguide and a second waveguide is provided. The device includes an interconnect coupled with the first waveguide and the second waveguide. The interconnect includes a substrate. The interconnect includes a film including a refractive index contrast (RIC) polymer and a core. The core includes a first domain having a first refractive index. The core includes a second domain adjacent to the first domain and having a second refractive index. The second refractive index is less than the first refractive index. The core includes a third domain adjacent to the second domain and having a third refractive index. The third refractive index is less than the second refractive index. The second domain is disposed between the first domain and the third domain. The refractive index of the substrate is less than the first refractive index, the second refractive index, and the third refractive index.

Polymers obtained from unsatured compounds and sulfurhalides

A polymer includes the reaction product of a mixture of a chalcogenide halide and one or more organic compounds comprising an unsaturated carbon-carbon bond under reaction conditions sufficient to produce the polymer, wherein the chalcogenide halide comprises a sulfur monohalide, a sulfur dihalide, a selenium monohalide, a selenium dihalide, a selenium tetrahalide, or a combination of any two or more thereof. Such sulfur-containing polymers have a high refractive index and high Abbe number and are suitable for use in variety of applications relating to optical devices.

Metallic magnetic powder and manufacturing method of the same, magnetic painting, magnetic powder for magnetic therapy and magnetic recording medium

To provide a metallic magnetic powder wherein a primary particle of each metallic magnetic particle constituting the metallic magnetic powder is a powder without forming an aggregate, and a manufacturing method of the same comprising the steps of: manufacturing a metallic magnetic powder constituted of metallic magneticparticles, containing a metallic magnetic phase, with Fe, or Fe and Co as main components, rare earth elements (wherein yttrium is also treated as the rare earth element), one kind or more non-magnetic components such as A1 and Si; removing the non-magnetic component from the metallic magnetic particle, by making a reducing agent act thereon, while making a complexing agent exist for forming a complex with the non-magnetic component in water; oxidizing the metallic magnetic particle with the non-magnetic component removed; substituting water adhered to the oxidized metallic magnetic particle, with an organic solvent; and coating the surface of the metallic magnetic particle with an organic matter different from the organic solvent, in a state of maintaining a wet condition of the metallic magnetic particle, with the organic solvent adhered thereto.

Metallic magnetic powder and manufacturing method of the same, magnetic painting, magnetic powder for magnetic therapy, and magnetic recording medium

Flame retardant polymers and processes for producing and using the same

A flame retardant composition includes a polymers that is the reaction product of a mixture of a chalcogenide halide and one or more organic compounds comprising an unsaturated carbon-carbon bond under reaction conditions sufficient to produce the polymer, wherein the chalcogenide halide comprises a sulfur monohalide, a sulfur dihalide, a selenium monohalide, a selenium dihalide, a selenium tetrahalide, or a combination of any two or more thereof.

Chalcogenide hybrid inorganic/organic polymer (chip) materials as improved crosslinking agents for vulcanization

Methods of vulcanization using a high content sulfur polymer, instead of elemental sulfur, have been developed. These high sulfur content polymers are referred to as Chalcogenide Hybrid Inorganic/Organic Polymers (CHIP) materials and have good polymer compatibility in that they are soluble in a number of polymers. Furthermore, CHIP materials may have weaker bonds than the S—S bonds of elemental sulfur and thus provide for a higher crosslinking efficiency vulcanization.